Michael Randolph McKnight

Michael Randolph McKnight, age 68, departed this life on Saturday, October 16, 2021. He was born October 4, 1953, to the late John Henry McKnight and Mildred Smith-Ridgley in New Orleans, LA. Mike, as he was affectionately called by many, was a proud graduate of L. B. Landry High School class of 1972. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served with great heroism and pride as he traveled the world and relished in the antics and encounters of his fellow soldiers. In appreciation for his call to duty, the United States military recognized his service and bestowed upon him an honorable discharge. After leaving the military, Michael's inquisitive mind led him to a career in Offshore drilling, where he mastered the skills of being an analytical thinker as he performed his duties in various areas and on several platforms for approximately thirty-eight years, inclusive of Dynamic Production Services, Inc., and Renaissance Offshore, LLC. The latter is where he performed his final duties as a Lead Operator. Throughout the span of his career, caring for his family was always a priority, which he never waned. He leaves to mourn his passing, his beloved wife of 42 years, Gwendolyn Encalade-McKnight, his devoted children, a son Michael J. McKnight and a daughter, Mekia J. McKnight; siblings, a sister, Alethia Lee of New Orleans, and a brother, Milton Ridgley of Atlanta, Georgia; brothers-in-law, Feltus Lee, Irvin Handy, Reginald Darensburg, and Gerald J. Brown; sisters-in-law, Jennell Handy, Carnell Darensburg, and Marvinell Brown; godfather to Henry Tanner, Jr., Nigel Young, and Dana McDonald-Warner, he is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and close friends. Michael is preceded in death by his parents, John Henry McKnight, and Mildred Smith-Ridgley; a brother, Robert Kidd; a sister-in-law, Carolyn Kidd, a sister, Mary McKnight, and a host of aunts and uncles. Michael was a man of unshakable convictions for doing what he wanted and believed to be right. He often indulged in one of his favorite hobbies, cooking, where he exhibited his culinary skills of delectable dishes of fine foods. Relatives and friends of the family, employees of Superior Options, Dynamic Production Services, Inc., Renaissance Offshore, LLC, and Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care; also, pastors, officers, and members of St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church and all neighboring churches are invited to attend the Funeral Service on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church, located 1738 L.B. Landry Blvd. The visitation will begin at 9 a.m., and the funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Rev. Norman Francis is the host pastor and Rev. Joseph Foley Brocks will officiate. Interment will immediately follow at Restlawn Park Cemetery located at 3540 US-90, Avondale, LA 70094. Due to COVID-19, everyone in attendance must wear a facemask or other proper facial covering and practice social distancing. Funeral planning entrusted to Robinson Family Funeral Home, 9611 LA-23, Belle Chasse, LA 70037, (504) 208-2119. For online condolences, please visit www.robinsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.